FOLLOWING the recent article reporting that a number of our therapists treating patients with depression or anxiety are not trained, we would like to reassure local people about our Steps 2 Wellbeing programme and practitioners.

Our service is part of a national programme offering short term psychological interventions to people with anxiety, stress, worry, OCD, low mood and depression.

We see large numbers of patients and there is a positive recovery rate, with good feedback about the service they’ve received. Approximately 85% of our staff are fully trained and qualified, and this includes cognitive behavioural therapists, psychological wellbeing practitioners and counsellors.

We do also have a number of trainees that work within our service.

The trainees are studying at accredited universities and where appropriate will work with patients, but have clear guidelines and are always supervised by a fully trained and qualified member of staff. All of our staff also have access to packages of training and supervision to maintain and improve their therapeutic skills to support patients.

We are also pleased to be making links with organisations such as Dorset Mind, Harmony and the Mental Health Forum.

And we work closely with colleagues in physical care service, as mind and body are very closely linked, and those with long term health conditions have the additional stress of managing these as well as other aspects of life, work and family.

In addition, Weymouth is just beginning to offer a pilot course for those that have a long term condition like COPD, diabetes and cardiac problems or pain as well as symptoms of anxiety and /or low mood. This will be followed by another in Bridport.

The service currently offers this programme by webinar for people unable to travel.

For further information about our service please visit: www.steps2wellbeing.co.uk

Ellie Sturrock

Cognitive Behaviour Therapist Lead

West Dorset Steps 2 Wellbeing

Dorset HealthCare